Hamburg Next Level
We support Hamburg-based startups on their journey to international expansion.
Hamburg Next Level supports startups on their journey to internationalization – from market analysis to strategy development and scaling.
In expert-led sessions, practical workshops, and exclusive networking opportunities, you’ll gain the tools, insights, and contacts needed to expand successfully into new markets.
Whether you're just starting your international journey or refining your go-to-market strategy – we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Discover your ideal market – Phase II starts July 1st 2025! Together with our partners PwC and OCO Global, we have developed a 3 day program that offers you mentoring by experienced experts and access to a comprehensive network. No matter where you are in your business journey or which industry you're in – we’ll support you on the path to international success!
July 1st | July 2nd | July 15th - Hamburg Chamber of Commerce
APPLY NOW!
July 1st | July 2nd | July 15th - Hamburg Chamber of Commerce
APPLY NOW!
YOUR NEXT STEPS IN INTERNATIONALIZATION
| PREPARE |
DISCOVER
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ACCESS
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|---|---|---|
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///Already completed in December 2024///
Get ready for international success: Dive into the essential topics of internationalization, explore global markets, and develop a strong entry strategy. Network with others, learn from best practices, and plan your next steps..
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///Starting July 2025///
Find your ideal market and be trained in expansion & market entry strategies. Build connections in your target market and assess the feasibility of your expansion.
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Join us on a delegation trip, pitch to investors, and network with key partners. Receive on-site mentoring and attend events to ensure a smooth and successful market entry. |
DISCOVER YOUR IDEAL MARKET: PAHSE II STARTS NOW!
After successfully completing the first phase of Hamburg Next Level, startups are invited to participate in Phase II. This phase is designed to take your international ambitions to the next level: you'll explore concrete market opportunities, gain curated insights from experts around the globe, and start shaping a realistic and scalable market entry strategy.
Across three interactive days, participants will dive deeper into the core elements of international expansion. You’ll learn how to assess and select the most promising target market for your product, understand business culture and market dynamics in different regions, and define the first practical steps for entering new markets.
The program includes hands-on workshops, best-practice sharing, and direct access to international experts – including representatives of the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs) from key global markets. You'll also participate in Hamburg’s Außenwirtschaftstag, the city's leading international business event, connecting you with a broad range of internationalization resources and stakeholders.
Day 1 | 1st of July – Target Market Identification
| Time | Program Item | Description |
| 09:30 – 09:45 | Welcome & Kickoff | Introduction & networking |
| 09:45 – 10:45 | Market Analysis: Tools & Target Market Identification – Part I | Input session: Data, tools & methods to identify the ideal market |
| 11:00 – 12:30 | Market Analysis: Tools & Target Market Identification – Part II | Workshop: Identifying the ideal market based on customers, competitors & trends |
| 12:30 – 13:30 | Best-Practice over Lunch | How have other startups successfully expanded into new markets? |
| 13:30 – 14:00 | Introduction to AHK Network & Services | Key contacts in Hamburg and abroad |
Day 2 | 2nd of July – Market Characteristics & Business Culture
| Time | Program Item | Description |
| 09:30 – 09:45 | Welcome & Introduction | Introduction & networking |
| 09:45 – 10:30 | Markets in Focus – Impulses from AHKs | Short pitches by AHK representatives: key opportunities and challenges in their respective markets. |
| 10:30 – 10:45 | Q&A & Transition | Open discussion |
| 11:00 – 16:00 | Außenwirtschaftstag | Participation in Hamburg’s largest international business event. Meetings, panels, and networking. |
(from 11:00 AM, you will join the Außenwirtschaftstag – please note this part of the program will be in German)
Day 3 | 15th of July – Scaling Strategies for New Markets
| Time | Program Item | Description |
| 09:30 – 09:45 | Welcome & Networking | Introduction & networking |
| 09:45 – 10:30 | Expansion Strategies | Input session: Which expansion strategy fits your business model? |
| 10:30 – 12:30 | Lean Market Entry | Workshops: First pilot projects and cost-effective market entry strategies |
| 12:30 – 13:00 | Lunchbreak | |
| 13:00 – 14:00 | Successful Expansion: Next Steps | Workshop: Closing session of Phase II, presenting an action plan template for further internationalization planning |
Please note that changes to the programme are possible.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
- Startups, scale-ups, and innovative SMEs
- Based in Hamburg or the metropolitan region
- Product-market fit in the B2B sector
- Growing revenues and reference customers
- Concrete internationalization plans
Phase II is open to any startup that meets the requirements. It is not necessary to have completed Phase I - APPLY NOW!
WHY YOU SHOULD PARTICIPATE
- Gain a comprehensive overview of the international market landscape.
- Assess your market readiness and receive tailored recommendations for your next steps.
- Identify target markets that align with your growth strategy.
- Connect with other startups facing similar challenges.
HOW TO APPLY
Online Application: Fill out the online form, answer a few key questions, and upload your pitch deck.
Flexible Entry: You can join the program at different phases based on your startup’s needs. However, startups that have successfully completed the previous phases will be given preference if they meet the criteria for the next phase. We are currently only accepting applications for Phase II.
Selection Process: Applications will be reviewed based on your startup’s international potential and the answers provided in the application form.